Who Is Alice?

October 17, 2017

This is the second blog posting by Kimberly Carmelich of the United Way.

United Way invests in important programs and initiatives that help strengthen our community and create positive change. These programs help to benefit many individuals in Bristol, including the thirty-five percent of households who are on a financial tightrope. These are families living in poverty, along with many hard-working families who are struggling to earn enough pay to make ends meet. We’re calling this often-overlooked population ALICE – a United Way acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.

Bristol, CT United Way

We all know ALICE. ALICE works and pays taxes like the rest of us. ALICE represents the men and women of all ages and races who get up each day to go to work, but who aren’t sure if they’ll be able to put dinner on the table each night. They are our childcare workers, our mechanics, our home health aides, security workers, store clerks and office assistants – all workers we cannot live without. Despite the importance of their work, it is a struggle for them to support their families on what these jobs typically pay.

To see how one ALICE family has been positively impacted by United Way donations, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEKLupWFAJc.

ALICE’s financial hardships affect the overall social and economic viability of our communities. In 2012, ALICE represented 28% of Bristol’s residents. This number grew by 7% to 35% in 2016. When ALICE households thrive, our communities and our economy are stronger.

United Way of West Central Connecticut needs YOU to join the fight for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in Bristol. Because your passion, expertise and resources will help the fight become a win. A win that’s not just a short-term contribution, but a long-term solution.

Please give today to support local ALICE families: https://volunteer.truist.com/cng-uwa/donate/?fdn=08060&_vm10302425432_=UWW_LUW.